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Vertical control structures


The entire MAIT system is also ``vertically'' divided into a:
global communication sub-system
local control sub-system
physical sub-system

Purpose

To ensure optimum performance, conflict-free control processes, reliability, comfort, safety and security.


As a general rule:
  • the subsystems can operate independently.
  • ``suggestions'' from another sub-system are accepted if their execution would not violate any criteria of the concerned sub-system.
\begin{center}\vbox{\input{fig_subsys.pstex_t} }\end{center}
Sub-systems of the MAIT network

\begin{center}\vbox{\input{fig_subsys_all.pstex_t} }\end{center}

Global communication sub-system


Functions:
    

  • to process digital messages in order to optimize the cabin and carrier traffic globally.

  • to exchange digital messages between all modules of the network.

  • to give commands to the local control subsystem.



Properties:
    

  • digital.

  • can reach entire network.

  • high level and complex decisions.

  • may have large response times.
  • failure will not cause inconveniences, injury or physical damage, but delays due to sub-optimum operation.

Local control sub-system


Functions:
    

  • to process commands from the global communication subsystem.

  • to control processes within a module and neighbouring modules.

  • control of physical subsystem.




Properties:
    

  • digital/analog.

  • effects neighbouring modules.

  • short response times.

  • low level signal processing.

  • high reliability.
  • a failure of this sub-system may cause inconveniences (emergency break) but no serious injuries.

Pysical sub-system


Functions:
    

  • to put commands from the local control subsystem into action.
  • to control all physical processes within a module and neighbouring modules.




Properties:
    

  • usually analog.

  • effects neighbouring modules.

  • immediate response.

  • low complexity.

  • this sub-system should be fail safe.

Subsystems of each visible module

Sub-systems of cabin

\begin{center}\vbox{\input{fig_subsys_cab.pstex_t} }\end{center}

The block-diagrams show how the three categories of devices are associated with the three subsystems. This separation is not shown for the transferrer system. However also the transferrer, or each other system or device must internally adhere to this subsystem structure.

Sub-systems of carrier

\begin{center}\vbox{\input{fig_subsys_car.pstex_t} }\end{center}
Sub-systems of a track-element

\begin{center}\vbox{\input{fig_subsys_track.pstex_t} }\end{center}
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